Ellen Kay Patterson Johnston

December 8, 1950-March 14, 2026

 Ellen Kay Patterson Johnston, lovingly known as Kay, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 75.
 Kay was born on December 8, 1950, in Natalia, Texas, to Vinita Jo White Patterson and John Cecil Patterson. She spent her early childhood in Texas and New Mexico before her family settled in Yoncalla, Oregon. It was there that she attended Yoncalla High School, where she met the love of her youth, Roger Johnston. The two were married on October 10, 1968, and together they raised three daughters: Twila, Traci, and Tanya.
 Kay devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother. She found joy in caring for her girls and creating a warm and welcoming home. She loved cooking family meals, canning the harvest, sewing, and making sure those she loved were cared for. She was active in the Yoncalla Church of Christ, where she faithfully helped with Sunday School and shared her gentle spirit with the children of her community.
 In 1982, the family moved to Pleasanton, Texas. There, Kay demonstrated her determination and lifelong love of learning by returning to school to earn her GED. She continued her education through nursing school and fulfilled a calling to care for others by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Nursing became more than a profession—it was a source of purpose and pride. She cared deeply for her patients and continued working in the field she loved until declining health forced her retirement.
 Kay had a creative soul. She enjoyed painting and writing poetry and found companionship in the many cats she adored throughout her life. She proudly referred to herself as a “cat lady” and never met a cat she didn’t like.
 Although Roger and Kay divorced in 1991, their bond as family never faded. They remained close friends and continued to support one another throughout the years. In their later years, both Roger and Kay spent time living with their daughters—first with Traci and later with Tanya—before eventually residing in the same care facility. Their enduring friendship reflected the love and respect they continued to share as they navigated life’s later chapters together.
 In her later years, Kay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges it brought, she faced them with strength and grace. The disease gradually took away her ability to walk and ultimately claimed her life.
 Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Vinita Jo White Patterson and John Cecil Patterson; her sisters, Gwen Shearrer, who passed away on March 16, 2008, and Leatrice Strunk, who passed away on June 4, 2025; and her beloved daughter, Traci, who passed away on August 11, 2013.
 She is survived by her brother, Terry Patterson (Eunice); her daughters, Twila McDonald (Tommy) and Tanya Winn (Dwayne); her grandchildren, Zack, Nicolas, Kaleigh, Payton, and Alison; and her two great-granddaughters, Santana and Olivia. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will remember her kindness, creativity, devotion to family, and caring heart.
 Kay’s life was defined by love—love for her family, her faith, her patients, her art, and even the cats that found their way into her home and heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
 A family service will be held in August.